Nonoe, Minato and Yasuke entered the classroom, where the bustle of children created a lively and energetic atmosphere. In one corner, the group of five heirs of the village's prominent clans were engaged in a lively discussion. Seeing the orphanage trio approaching, they paused in their conversation.
-Hey guys, how are you doing! -Nonoe asked with a smile, approaching the larger group, followed closely by Minato and Yasuke.
-Oh, Nonoe, they arrived too," replied the young girl from the Uchiha clan, with a welcoming gesture.
The children greeted each other with the familiarity and camaraderie typical of young shinobi in training. Their voices mingled with those of the other children, creating an atmosphere full of energy and anticipation for the school day.
As they chatted about recent events and shared stories of their training, a voice echoed from the classroom door, capturing everyone's attention.
-Attention, students! -said a firm, authoritative voice. It was the voice of sensei, an experienced ninja who, by his very presence, imposed order in the classroom.
The students quickly took their seats, anticipating the start of class. The sensei, with a glance around the classroom, noticed the presence of a new student in the corner of the class.
-Before we begin, I would like to introduce you to our new classmate," announced the sensei, pointing to the young woman, who shyly stood up.
The girl, with curious eyes and a slightly nervous expression, introduced herself to the class. There was an air of mystery about her, something that immediately caught everyone's attention.
When Kushina Uzumaki stood up to introduce herself, there was a palpable determination in her voice, despite the shyness that the new and unfamiliar surroundings caused her.
- I am Kushina Uzumaki
The class fell into an awkward silence for a moment after Kushina's introduction. Whispers began to spread among some of the younger students, centered on her distinctive red hair. Some whispered curiously, while others, less discreetly, laughed and joked about whether her hair was natural or dyed, and how unusual it looked.
Kushina, who listened in frustration, clenched her fists and raised her voice in determination.
- I will be the first female Hokage of the village!
Minato, from his seat, watched Kushina with a mixture of awe and admiration. The idea that someone would share a dream as big and bold as hers made a deep impression on him. There was something in the way Kushina expressed herself, in her determined gaze and flaming red hair, that instantly captivated him.
The sensei, noticing the commotion caused by Kushina's presentation, stepped in to restore order and took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of supporting and respecting one's dreams and goals.
-Attention, class," she said in a voice that resonated with authority and experience. Each of you is here for a reason, for a dream you aspire to achieve. Whether it is to become Hokage, like Kushina, or whatever goal you have in mind. In the path of the ninja, it is essential that we support and respect each other in our aspirations.
He paused, making sure each student was listening.
-The path of the shinobi is full of challenges and trials. But remember, success on this path depends not only on our individual abilities, but also on how we work together as a community. The strength of Konoha comes not only from the skill of a single ninja, but from the collective spirit of all of us.
The sensei looked at Kushina, offering her an encouraging smile, before addressing the class again.
-So I invite you, instead of murmuring or questioning, to offer your support and constructive curiosity towards your fellow students. Each of you has unique and valuable potential. Learn not only from your senseis, but also from your peers. Because someday, you could be fighting shoulder to shoulder with them to protect this village we call home.
With these words, the sensei managed to instill a sense of unity and purpose in the class, reminding them of the importance of their bond as future protectors of Konoha.
As the class continued, Minato couldn't help but cast furtive glances towards Kushina. The image of her standing there, declaring her dream of becoming Hokage, was etched in his mind. There was something about her that appealed to him in a way he couldn't fully explain, a new and exciting feeling beginning to blossom within him.
During recess, Minato found himself looking for an opportunity to get closer to Kushina. He wanted to know more about her, about her clan, and about their shared dream of leading the village one day. Although he still didn't fully understand it, something inside him told him that Kushina would be an important person in his life.
Yasuke and Nonoe, noticing Minato's unusual interest, exchanged curious glances. They too were intrigued by the new classmate, but for Minato, it seemed to be something deeper.
After recess, the atmosphere in the classroom was still charged with murmurs and restrained laughter. Kushina, tried to ignore the comments and giggles that still continued. However, a group of students, emboldened by the teachers' absence, decided to take the teasing a step further.
POV Kushina
The taunting comments of the children continued to echo in Kushina's ears. Every word, every laugh, was like a dart stoking her already fiery temper.
-From today we'll call you Tomato! -exclaimed one, pointing directly at her head. You have a round face and red hair!
-You look like a tomato," added another. Since when did tomatoes become hokages?
-I hate tomatoes," scoffed another.
-Me too, I never eat them in salad," joined the fourth.
-A tomato that everyone hates can never be accepted," concluded the first, with a cruel smile.
Kushina, feeling anger growing inside her, scanned the room. Her purple eyes met Minato's blue eyes. He was staring at her, but not moving.
"Tomato," another taunting boy repeated in her mind. "That's what they call me to tease me, it makes me furious," Kushina thought, feeling her face heat up and turn red.
-You're getting redder! -exclaimed one of the children, tugging at one of her red locks. Tomato festival, it's time to harvest!
In an instant, Kushina grabbed the arm holding her hair.
-Who are you calling a tomato? -she asked in a dangerously low voice, squeezing the boy's arm tightly. I don't like tomatoes.
And with those words, Kushina proceeded to defend herself, hitting the children who had teased her. Finally, she climbed on top of the back of the boy who was leading the bullying and started hitting him as he lay on the ground, trying to cover his head.
-If you continue to call me Tomato, you'll regret it, you'll see!
Kushina stopped, breathing heavily, looking around at the shocked and frightened children.
End POV Kushina
The headmaster had called the three from the orphanage to give them important news, however one of them had to go to class to tell sensei, however while waiting for him, she saw a scene she didn't like.
Minato was paralyzed, his mind was screaming for him to intervene, but his body simply did not respond. He watched with growing tension as Kushina was harassed by a group of students. Despite his desire to act, he was trapped in indecision.
To his relief, and not without some admiration, he watched as Kushina bravely defended herself, demonstrating not only her strength but also her determination. An involuntary smile broke out on his face as he watched her triumph in the face of the bullies.
At that moment, Kushina turned to him, her gaze sparkling with anger.
-What are you laughing at? -she asked in a voice tinged with annoyance, raising a fist in a threatening manner.
Minato, surprised by her reaction, could only stare straight ahead, feeling a growing nervousness.
"Right now, I'd like to be Yasuke and show that stoic face," he thought.
Meanwhile, in the principal's office, Yasuke and Nonoe were waiting for important news. The principal, a serious-looking man with a deep voice, sat across from them. Before he could speak, Yasuke began to frown, anticipating that what he was about to hear could change the course of their lives at the academy.
To be continued...
Pd: If we reach 20 votes the next chapter will be released.